The number of mobile subscribers worldwide topped 2 billion at the end of 2005, and will rise to 3.96 billion by 2011

The Asia-Pacific region will account for 50% of the total number of subscribers worldwide by the end of this decade. 1.067 billion of those subscribers will come from China and India, the world’s two biggest mobile markets.

Africa boasts the fastest growth rate in the world, forecast to add 265 million mobile subscribers over the next 6 years.

The report also provides a worldwide 3G summary with a snapshot of the progress of 3G adoption across the world to date and predictions for future growth. While Western Europe and the U.S. will see greater than 50% 3G subscriber penetration by 2011, the Asia Pacific region will see only 35%, albeit with 1.06 billion subscribers by 2011, making this the largest regional 3G market in the world.